Skoopref

Cadence SKILL++ Object System
Reference
Product Version 6.1.6
November 2014
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Cadence SKILL++ Object System Reference
Contents
Preface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Licensing in Cadence SKILL Language . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
About the SKILL Language . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Related Documents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Installation, Environment, and Infrastructure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Section Names and Meanings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Typographic and Syntax Conventions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
SKILL Syntax Examples . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Identifiers Used to Denote Data Types . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Additional Learning Resources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
How to Contact Technical Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
1
Classes and Instances . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
allocateInstance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
changeClass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
className . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
classOf . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
classp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
defclass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
findClass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
initializeInstance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
isClass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
makeInstance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
printself . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
setSlotValue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
sharedInitialize . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
slotBoundp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
slotUnbound . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
slotValue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
November 2014 3 Product Version 6.1.6

© 1999-2014 All Rights Reserved.
2
Generic Functions and Methods . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
callAs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
callNextMethod . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
defgeneric . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
defmethod . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
getMethodSpecializers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
getGFbyClass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
getApplicableMethods . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
getMethodName . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
getMethodRole . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
getMethodSpec . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
getGFproxy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
nextMethodp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
removeMethod . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
updateInstanceForDifferentClass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
updateInstanceForRedefinedClass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
3
Generic Specializers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
ilArgMatchesSpecializer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
ilEquivalentSpecializers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
ilGenerateSpecializer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
ilSpecMoreSpecificp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62
4
Subclasses and Superclasses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
subclassesOf . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
subclassp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
superclassesOf . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65

5
Dependency Maintenance Protocol Functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67
addDependent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68
getDependents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69
removeDependent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70
updateDependent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71


Preface
This manual introduces the SKILL++ language to new users, leads users to understand
advanced topics and encourages sound SKILL programming methods. It is aimed at the
following users:
■ CAD developers who have experience programming in SKILL, both Cadence internal
users and Cadence® customers
■ Programmers beginning to program in SKILL++
■ CAD integrators
Licensing in Cadence SKILL Language

Product license 111 is checked out at skill executable startup or at workbench startup.
For information on licensing in the Cadence SKILL Language, see Virtuoso Software
Licensing and Configuration Guide.
About the SKILL Language

The SKILL programming language lets you customize and extend your design environment.
SKILL provides a safe, high-level programming environment that automatically handles many
traditional system programming operations, such as memory management. SKILL programs
can be immediately executed in the Cadence environment.
SKILL is ideal for rapid prototyping. You can incrementally validate the steps of your algorithm
before incorporating them in a larger program.
Storage management errors are persistently the most common reason cited for schedule
delays in traditional software development. SKILL’s automatic storage management relieves
your program of the burden of explicit storage management. You gain control of your software
development schedule.
SKILL also controls notoriously error-prone system programming tasks like list management
and complex exception handling, allowing you to focus on the relevant details of your

Preface
algorithm or user interface design. Your programs will be more maintainable because they will
be more concise.
The Cadence environment allows SKILL program development such as user interface
customization. The SKILL Development Environment contains powerful tracing, debugging,
and profiling tools for more ambitious projects.
SKILL leverages your investment in Cadence technology because you can combine existing
functionality and add new capabilities.
SKILL allows you to access and control all the components of your tool environment: the User
Interface Management System, the Design Database, and the commands of any integrated
design tool. You can even loosely couple proprietary design tools as separate processes with
SKILL’s interprocess communication facilities.
Related Documents
The following documents provide more information about SKILL and other topics discussed
in this guide.
Installation, Environment, and Infrastructure

■ For more information on installing Cadence products, see the Cadence Installation
Guide.
■ For information on database SKILL functions, including data access functions, see the
see the Virtuoso Design Environment SKILL Reference. It contains APIs for the
graphics editor, database access, design management, technology file administration,
online environment, design flow, user entry, display lists, component description format,
and graph browser.
■ Cadence User Interface SKILL Reference contains APIs for management of
windows and forms.
■ Virtuoso Software Licensing and Configuration Guide contains SKILL licensing
functions.
Section Names and Meanings

Each function described in this book can have up to seven sections. Not every section is
required for every function description.

Preface
Syntax The syntax requirements for this function.
Prerequisites Steps required before calling this function.
Description A brief phrase identifying the purpose of the function and the text
description of the operation performed by the function.
Arguments An explanation of the arguments input to the function.
Return Value An explanation of the value returned by the function.
Example Actual SKILL code using this function.
References Other functions that are relevant to the operation of this function:
ones with partial or similar functionality or which could be called
by or could call this function. Sections in this manual which
explain how to use this function.
Typographic and Syntax Conventions

The following typographic and syntax conventions are used in this document.
literal (LITERAL)
Nonitalic (UPPERCASE) words indicate keywords that you must
enter literally. These keywords represent command (function,
routine) or option names.
argument (z_argument)
Words in italics indicate text that you must replace with an
appropriate argument. The prefix (in this case, z_) indicates the
data type that the argument can accept. Names are case
sensitive. Do not type the data type or underscore before your
arguments.
| Vertical bars (OR-bars) separate the choice of options. They take

precedence over any other character.
[ ] Brackets denote optional arguments. When used with vertical

bars, they enclose a list of choices from which you can choose
one.

Preface
{ } Braces are used with vertical bars and enclose a list of choices
from which you must choose one.
... Three dots (...) indicate that you can repeat the previous
argument. If you use them with brackets, you can specify zero or
more arguments. If they are used without brackets, you must
specify at least one argument, but you can specify more.
argument... ;specify at least one,

;but more are possible
[argument]... ;specify zero or more
,... A comma and three dots together indicate that if you specify
more than one argument, you must separate those arguments by
commas.
=> A right arrow points to the return values of the function. Variable
values returned by the software are shown in italics. Returned
literals, such as t and nil, are in plain text. The right arrow is
also used in code examples in SKILL manuals.
/ Separates the possible values that can be returned by a

Cadence SKILL language function.
text Indicates names of manuals, menu commands, form buttons,

and form fields.
SKILL Syntax Examples

The following examples show typical syntax characters used in SKILL.
Example 1
list( g_arg1 [g_arg2] ...) => l_result
This example illustrates the following syntax characters.
list Plain type indicates words that you must enter literally.
g_arg1 Words in italics indicate arguments for which you must substitute
a name or a value.

Preface
( ) Parentheses separate names of functions from their arguments.
_ An underscore separates an argument type (left) from an

argument name (right).
[ ] Brackets indicate that the enclosed argument is optional.
... Three dots indicate that the preceding item can appear any
number of times.
=> A right arrow points to the description of the return value of the
function. Also used in code examples in SKILL manuals.
l_result All SKILL functions compute a data value known as the return
value of the function.
Example 2
needNCells( s_cellType | st_userType x_cellCount) => t / nil
This example illustrates two additional syntax characters.
| Vertical bars separate a choice of required options.
/ Slashes separate possible return values.
Identifiers Used to Denote Data Types

The Cadence SKILL language supports several data types to identify the type of value you
can assign to an argument.
Data types are identified by a single letter followed by an underscore; for example, t is the
data type in t_viewNames. Data types and the underscore are used as identifiers only; they
should not be typed.
Prefix Internal Name Data Type

a array array
A amsobject AMS object
b ddUserType DDPI object

Preface

B ddCatUserType DDPI category object
C opfcontext OPF context
d dbobject Cadence database object (CDBA)
e envobj environment
f flonum floating-point number
F opffile OPF file ID
g general any data type
G gdmSpecIlUserType gdm spec
h hdbobject hierarchical database configuration object
K mapiobject MAPI object
l list linked list
L tc Technology file time stamp
m nmpIlUserType nmpIl user type
M cdsEvalObject —
n number integer or floating-point number
o userType user-defined type (other)
p port I/O port
q gdmspecListIlUserType gdm spec list
r defstruct defstruct
R rodObj relative object design (ROD) object
s symbol symbol
S stringSymbol symbol or character string
t string character string (text)
T txobject Transient object
u function function object, either the name of a function (symbol) or
a lambda function body (list)
U funobj function object
v hdbpath —

Preface

w wtype window type
x integer integer number
y binary binary function
& pointer pointer type
For information on SKILL language, see Cadence SKILL Language User Guide.
Additional Learning Resources

Cadence offers the following training courses on the SKILL programming language:
■ SKILL Language Programming Introduction
■ SKILL Language Programming
■ Advanced SKILL Language Programming
For further information on these and other related Virtuoso Layout Suite training courses
available in your region, visit the Cadence Training portal. You can also write to
training_enroll@cadence.com.
Note: The links in this section open in a new browser. The course links initially display the
requested training information for North America, but if required, you can navigate to the
courses available in other regions
How to Contact Technical Support

Cadence Customer Support is region specific. To find out the e-mail address, phone number,
or fax number for your region, select the Contacts button from the Cadence Online
Support home page (http://support.cadence.com).
You can also use Cadence Online Support to find out the latest information on Virtuoso
Parasitic Aware Design.

Preface

1
Classes and Instances
allocateInstance
allocateInstance(
u_class
)
=> g_instance
Description
Creates and returns an empty instance of the specified class. All slots of the new instance
are unbound.
Arguments
u_class The specified class for which a new instance has to be created.
Value Returned
g_instance An empty instance of u_class.
Example
defclass(A () ((slot1 @initform 1) (slot2 @initform 2)))
i = allocateInstance(findClass('A))
i->??
=> (slot1 \*slotUnbound\* slot2 \*slotUnbound\*)
i = allocateInstance('A)
i->??
=> (slot1 \*slotUnbound\* slot2 \*slotUnbound\*)

changeClass
changeClass(
g_inst
g_className
[g_initArgs]
)
=> g_updatedInst
Description
Changes the class of the given instance (g_inst) to the specified class (g_className).
The function updateInstanceForDifferentClass() is called on the modified instance

to allow applications to deal with new or lost slots.
Arguments
g_inst An instance of standardObject.
g_className The new class for the instance.
g_initArgs Additional arguments to be passed to the

updateInstanceForDifferentClass() function.
Value Returned
g_updatedInst The updated instance.
Example
(defclass A () ())
(defclass B (A) ((slot @initarg s)))
x = (makeInstance 'A)
(changeClass x 'B ?s 1)
(classOf x)
=> class:B

className
className(
us_class
)
=> s_className
Description
Returns the class symbol denoting a class object.
For user-defined classes, s_className is the symbol passed to defclass in defining

us_class.
Arguments
us_class Must be a class object or a class symbol. Otherwise an error is

signaled.
Value Returned
s_className The class symbol.
Example
className( classOf( 5 )) => fixnum
defclass( GeometricObject
() ;;; standardObject is the subclass by default
() ;;; no slots
) ; defclass
className(findClass( 'GeometricObject))
=> GeometricObject
geom = makeInstance( 'GeometricObject )
className( classOf( geom))
=> GeometricObject
Reference
classOf, findClass

classOf
classOf(
g_object
)
=> u_classObject
Description
Returns the class object of which the given object is an instance.
Arguments
g_object Any SKILL object.
Value Returned
u_classObject Class object of which the given object is an instance.
Examples
classOf( 5 )
=> class:fixnum
className( classOf( 5 ))
=> fixnum
Reference
className, findClass

classp
classp(
g_object
su_class
)
=> t | nil
Description
Checks if the given object is an instance of the given class or is an instance of one of its
subclasses.
Arguments
g_object Any SKILL object

su_class A class object or a symbol denoting a class.
Value Returned
t If the given object is an instance of the class or a subclass of the

class.
nil Otherwise.
Example
classp( 5 classOf( 5 )) => t
classp( 5 'fixnum ) => t
classp( 5 'string ) => nil
classp( 5 'noClass )
*Error* classp: second argument must be a class - nil
Reference
classOf, className

defclass
defclass(
s_className
( [ s_superClassName ] )
( [ ( s_slotName
[ @initarg s_argName ]
[ @reader s_readerFun ]
[ @writer s_writerFun ]
[ @initform g_exp ])
... ] )
)
=> t
Description
Creates a class object with class name and optional super class name and slot specifications.
This is a macro form.
If the super class is not given, the default super class is the standardObject class. Each
slot specifier itself is a list composed of slot options. The only required slot option is the slot
name.
Note: If you define a class with two slots that have the same name, as shown in the example
given below, SKILL creates the class but also issues a warning.
defclass(A () ((slotA) (slotB) (slotA @initform 42)))

Arguments
s_className Name of new class.

s_superClassName Name of super class. Default is standardObject.
s_slotName Name of the slot.
@initarg s_argName Declares an initialization argument named s_argName. Calls
to makeInstance can use s_argName as keyword
argument to pass an initialization value.
@reader s_readerFun Specifies that a method be defined on the generic function
named s_readerFun to read the value of the given slot.
@writer Specifies that a method be defined on the generic function
s_writerFun named s_writerFun to change the value of the given slot.
@initform The expression is evaluated every time an instance is created.
g_exp The @initform slot option is used to provide an expression to
be used as a default initial value for the slot. The form is
evaluated in the class definition environment.
Value Returned
t Always returns t.
Example 1
defclass( Point
( GeometricObject )
(
( name @initarg name )
( x @initarg x ) ;;; x-coordinate
( y @initarg y ) ;;; y-coordinate
)
) ; defclass => t
P = makeInstance( 'Point ?name "P" ?x 3 ?y 4 )

findClass
findClass(
s_className
)
=> u_classObject | nil
Description
Returns the class object associated with a symbol. The symbol is the symbolic name of the
class object.
Arguments
s_className A symbol that denotes a class object.
Value Returned
u_classObject Class object associated with a symbolic name.

nil If there is no class associated with the given symbol.
Example
findClass( 'Point ) => funobj:0x1c9968
findClass( 'fixnum ) => funobj:0x1840d8
findClass( 'standardObject => funobj:0x184028
findClass( 'fuzzyNumber ) => nil
Reference
defclass, className

initializeInstance
initializeInstance(
g_instance
[ u_?initArg1 value1 ]
[ u_?initArg2 value2 ] ...
)
=> t
Description
Initializes the newly created instance of a class. initializeInstance is called by the

makeInstance function.
Arguments
g_instance A symbol denoting an instance. The instance must be created

using makeInstance.
u_?initArg1 value1 initArg1value1 is the initial value for argument1 of the
u_?initArg2value2 instance. Similarly for the pair u_initArg2value2 and so
forth.
Value Returned
t The instance has been initialized.
Example
defclass( A () ())
=>t
defmethod( initializeInstance ((obj A) @key (a 3) @rest args))
(printf "initializeInstance : A : was called with args - obj == '%L'
a == '%L' rest == '%L'\n" obj a args)
(callNextMethod)
=>t
makeInstance( 'A ?a 7)
initializeInstance : A : was called with args - obj == 'stdobj@0x83bf048' a
== '7' rest == 'nil'
=>stdobj@0x83bf048
makeInstance( 'A)
initializeInstance : A : was called with args - obj == 'stdobj@0x83bf054' a
== '3' rest == 'nil'
=>stdobj@0x83bf054

isClass
isClass(
g_object
)
=> t | nil
Description:
Checks if the given object is a class object.
Arguments
g_object Any SKILL object.
Value Returned
t If the given object is a class object.

nil Otherwise.
Example
isClass( classOf( 5 ) ) => t
isClass( findClass( 'Point ) ) => t
isClass( 'noClass ) => nil
Reference
classOf, findClass

makeInstance
makeInstance(
us_class
[ u_?initArg1 value1 ]
[ u_?initArg2 value2 ] ...
)
=> g_instance
Description
Creates an instance of a class, which can be given as a symbol or a class object.
Arguments
us_class Class object or a symbol denoting a class object. The class must
be either standardObject or a subclass of standardObject.
u_?initArg1 value1 The symbol u_initArg1 is specified in one of the slot specifiers
u_?initArg2 in the defclass declaration of either us_class or a
value2 superclass of us_class. value1 is the initial value for that
slot. Similarly for the pair u_initArg2 value2 and so forth.
Value Returned
g_instance The instance. The print representation of the instance resembles

stdobj:xxxxx, where xxxxx is a hexadecimal number.
Example
defclass( Circle ( GeometricObject )
(( center @initarg c ) ( radius @initarg r )) ) => t
P = makeInstance( 'Point ?name "P" ?x 3 ?y 4 )
=> stdobj:0x1d003c
C = makeInstance( 'Circle ?c P ?r 5.0 ) => stdobj:0x1d0048
makeInstance( 'fixnum )
*Error* unknown: non-instantiable class - fixnum
Reference
defclass

printself
printself(
g_object
)
=> g_result
Description
A generic function which is called to print a stdObject instance.
Arguments
g_object An instance of a class.
Value Returned
g_result A string or symbol representing information about g_object.
Example
defmethod( printself ((obj myClass))
sprintf(nil "#{instance of myClass:%L}" obj) ; returns a string
)
i = makeInstance('myClass)
=> #{instance of myClass:stdobj@0x83ba018}
; prints all instances of myClass

setSlotValue
setSlotValue(
g_standardObject
s_slotName
g_value
)
=> g_value
Description
Sets the s_slotName slot of g_standardObject to g_value.
An error is signaled if there is no such slot for the g_standardObject. This function
bypasses any @writer generic function for the slot that you specified in the defclass
declaration for the g_standardObject’s class.
Arguments
g_standardObject An instance of the standardObject class or a subclass of

standardObject.
s_slotName The slot symbol used as the slot name in the defclass slot
specification.
g_value Any SKILL data object.
Value Returned
g_value The value assigned to the slot.
Example
defclass( GeometricObject ()
(
( x @initarg x )
( y @initarg y )
)
) => t
geom = makeInstance( 'GeometricObject ?x 0 )
=> stdobj:0x34b018
slotValue( geom 'y ) => \*slotUnbound\*
setSlotValue( geom 'y 2 ) => 2
slotValue( geom 'y ) => 2


sharedInitialize
sharedInitialize(
g_object
g_slotList
@rest l_initargs
)
=> g_object | error
Description
This is a generic function, which is called when an instance is created, re-initialized, updated
to conform to a redefined class, or updated to conform to a different class. It is called from the
initializeInstance, updateInstanceForRedefinedClass, and
updateInstanceForDifferentClass functions to initialize slots of the instance
g_object using the corresponding initforms.
If the funciton is successful, the updated instance is returned.
Arguments
g_object An instance of a class.

g_slotList t or a list of slot names (symbols). If the argument is t, it
initializes all uninitialized slots. If it is a list of slot names, it
initializes only the uninitialized slots in the list.
l_initargs List of optional initargs.
Value Returned
g_object The updated instance (g_object).

error Otherwise.
Example
defclass( A () ((a @initform 1)))
=>t
defmethod( sharedInitialize ((obj A) slots @key k @rest args)
(printf "sharedInitialize A: obj->?? == '%L' k == '%L' args == '%L'\n" obj->?? k
args)
(callNextMethod)
)

=>t
defclass( B () ((b @initform 2)))
=>t
x = makeInstance( 'A ?k 9)
sharedInitialize A: obj->?? == '(a \*slotUnbound\*)' k == '9' args == 'nil'
=>stdobj@0x83bf018
defclass( A () ((a @initform 1)
(c @initform 3)))
*WARNING* (defclass): redefinition of class A updating stdobj@0x83bf018
sharedInitialize A: obj->?? == '(a 1 c \*slotUnbound\*)' k == 'nil' args == 'nil'
=>t
changeClass( x 'B ?k 7)
updating stdobj@0x83bf018
stdobj@0x83bf018
x->??
(b 2)
changeClass( x 'A ?k 7)
updating stdobj@0x83bf018
sharedInitialize A: obj->?? == '(a \*slotUnbound\* c \*slotUnbound\*)' k == '7'
args == 'nil'
stdobj@0x83bf018
x->??
(a 1 c 3)

slotBoundp
slotBoundp(
obj
t_slotName
)
=> t/nil
Description
Checks if a named slot is bound to an instance or not.

Note: For compatibility with previous releases, an alias to this function with the name
ilSlotBoundp exists.
Arguments
obj An instance of some class.

t_slotName Slot name.
Value Returned
t If the slot is bound.

nil If the slot is unbound.
Note: It throws an error if obj or t_slotName is invalid.
Example
myObject => slotX = 20
slotBoundp(myObject "slotX") => t

slotUnbound
slotUnbound(
u_class
g_object
s_slotName
)
=> g_result
Description
This function is called when the slotValue function attempts to reference an unbound slot.
It signals that the value of the slot s_slotName of g_object has not been set yet. In this
case, slotValue returns the result of the method.
Arguments
u_class A class object. The class must be either standardObject

or a subclass of standardObject.
g_object An instance of u_class.
s_slotName The name of the unbound slot.
Value Returned
g_value Value contained in the slot s_slotName. The default value is

'\*slotUnbound\*.
Example
defclass( A () ((a)))
=>t
x = (makeInstance 'A)
=>stdobj@0x83bf018
defmethod( slotUnbound (class (obj A) slotName) (printf "slotUnbound : slot '%L'is
unbound\n" slotName) (setSlotValue obj slotName 6)
)
=>t
x->a
=>slotUnbound : slot 'a' is unbound
=>6
x->a
=>6

defmethod( slotUnbound (class (obj A) slotName) (printf "slotUnbound : slot '%L'

is unbound\n" slotName) (setSlotValue obj slotName 6)
8
)
=>t
*WARNING* (defmethod): method redefined generic:slotUnbound class:(t A t)
x->a = '\*slotUnbound\*
\*slotUnbound\*
x->a
=>slotUnbound : slot 'a' is unbound
=>8 ;; the return value of slotUnbound method, not a new value of the slot
x->a
=>6

slotValue
slotValue(
g_standardObject
s_slotName
)
=> g_value
Description
Returns the value contained in the slot slotName of the given standardObject.
If there is no slot with the given name an error is signalled. This function bypasses any
@reader generic function for the slot that you specified in the defclass declaration for the
g_standardObject’s class.
Arguments
g_standardObject An instance of the standardObject class or a subclass

of standardObject.
s_slotName The slot symbol used as the slot name in the defclass slot
specification.
Value Returned
g_value Value contained in the slot s_slotName of the given

standardObject.
Example
defclass( GeometricObject ()
(
( x @initarg x )
( y @initarg y )
)
)
=> t
defclass( Point
( GeometricObject)
(
( name @initarg name )
)
) => t

p = makeInstance( 'Point ?name "P" ?x 0 ?y 10 )

=> stdobj:0x355024
slotValue( p 'name ) => "P"
slotValue( p 'x ) => 0
slotValue( p 'y ) => 10


2
Generic Functions and Methods
callAs
callAs(
us_class
s_genericFunction
g_arg1
[ g_arg2 ... ]
)
=> g_value
Description
Calls a method specialized for some super class of the class of a given object directly,
bypassing the usual method inheritance and overriding of a generic function.
It is an error if the given arguments do not satisfy the condition (classp g_obj
us_class).

Arguments
us_class A class name or class object.

s_genericFunction A generic function name.
g_arg1 A SKILL object whose class is us_class or a subclass
of us_class.
g_arg2 Arguments to pass to the generic function.
Value Returned
g_value The result of applying the selected method to the given

arguments.
Example
defclass( GeometricObj () ())
=> t
defclass( Point (GeometricObj ) () )
=> t
defgeneric( whoami (obj) println("default"))
=> t
defmethod( whoami (( obj Point )) println("Point"))
=> t
defmethod( whoami (( obj GeometricObj))
println( "GeometricObj"))
=> t
p = makeInstance( 'Point )
=> stdobj:0x325018
whoami(p) ;prints "Point"
=> nil
callAs( 'GeometricObj 'whoami p ) ;prints "GeometricObj"
=> nil
Reference
nextMethodp, callNextMethod

callNextMethod
callNextMethod(
[ g_arg ... ]
)
=> g_value
Description
Calls the next applicable method for a generic function from within the current method.
Returns the value returned by the method it calls.
This function can only be (meaningfully) used in a method body to call the next more general
method in the same generic function.
You can call callNextMethod with no arguments, in which case all the arguments passed
to the calling method will be passed to the next method. If arguments are given, they will be
passed to the next method instead.
Arguments
g_arg Optional arguments to pass to the next method.
Value Returned
g_value Returns the value returned by the method it calls.
Example
If you call the callNextMethod function outside a method you get:

ILS-<2> procedure( example() callNextMethod() )
example
ILS-<2> example()
*Error* callNextMethod: not in the scope of any generic function call
This example also shows the effect of incrementally defining methods:

ILS-<2> defgeneric( HelloWorld ( obj )
printf( "Generic Hello World\n" )
)
=> t
ILS-<2> HelloWorld( 5 )
Generic Hello World
=> t
; t is the superclass of all classes

ILS-<2> defmethod( HelloWorld ((obj t ))

printf( "Class: %s says Hello World\n" 't )
)
=> t
Class: t says Hello World
=> t
; systemObject is a subclass of t
ILS-<2> defmethod( HelloWorld ((obj systemObject ))
printf( "Class: %s says Hello World\n" 'systemObject )
callNextMethod()
)
=> t
Class: systemObject says Hello World
=> t
; primitiveObject is a subclass of systemObject
ILS-<2> defmethod( HelloWorld (( obj primitiveObject ))
printf( "Class: %s says Hello World\n" 'primitiveObject )
callNextMethod()
)
=> t
Class: primitiveObject says Hello World
=> t
; fixnum is a subclass of primitiveObject
ILS-<2> defmethod( HelloWorld (( obj fixnum ))
printf( "Class: %s says Hello World\n" 'fixnum )
callNextMethod()
)
=> t
Class: fixnum says Hello World
=> t
ILS-<2> HelloWorld( "abc" )
=> t
Reference
nextMethodp, callAs

defgeneric
defgeneric(
s_functionName
( s_arg1
[ s_arg2 ... ]
)
[ g_exp ... ]
)
=> t
Description
Defines a generic function with an optional default method. This is a macro form. Be sure to
leave a space after the function name. See the Cadence SKILL Language User Guide for
a discussion of generic functions.
Arguments
s_functionName Name of the generic function. Be sure to leave a space after the
function name.
s_arg1 Any valid argument specification for SKILL functions, including
@key, @rest, and so forth.
g_exp The expressions that compose the default method. The default
method is specialized on the class t for the first argument.
Because all SKILL objects belong to class t, this represents the
most general method of the generic function and is applicable to
any argument.
Value Returned
t Generic function is defined.
Example
ILS-<2> defgeneric( whatis ( object )
printf(
"%L is an instance of %s\n"
object className( classOf( object))
)
) ; defgeneric
ILS-<2> whatis( 5 )
5 is an instance of fixnum

t
ILS-<2> whatis( "abc" )
"abc" is an instance of string
t
Reference
defmethod

defmethod
defmethod(
s_name
(
( s_arg1
s_class
)
s_arg2 ...
)
g_exp1 ...
)
=> t
Description
Defines a method for a given generic function. This is a macro form. Be sure to leave a space
after s_name.
The method is specialized on the s_class. The method is applicable when

classp( s_arg1 s_class ) is true.
Arguments
s_name Name of the generic function for which this method is to be

added. Be sure to leave a space after s_name.
( s_arg1 s_class) List composed of the first argument and a symbol denoting the
class. The method is applicable when s_arg1 is bound to an
instance of s_class or one of its subclasses.
g_exp1 ... Expressions that compose the method body.
Value Returned
t Always returns t.
Example
defmethod( whatis (( p Point ))
sprintf( nil "%s %s @ %n:%n"
className( classOf( p ))
p->name
p->x
p->y

)
) ; defmethod
=> t
Reference
defgeneric, procedure, defun

getMethodSpecializers
getMethodSpecializers(
s_genericFunction
)
=> l_classNames | nil
Description
Returns the specializers of all methods currently associated with the given generic function,
in a list of class names. The first element in the list is t if there is a default method.
Arguments
s_genericFunction A symbol that denotes a generic function object.
Value Returned
l_classNames List of method specializers that are currently associated with

s_genericFunction. The first element in the list is t if
there is a default method.
nil s_genericFunction is not a generic function.
Example
defmethod( met1 ((obj number)) println(obj))
=> t
getMethodSpecializers(’met1)
=>(number)
defclass( XGeometricObj () () )
=> t
defgeneric( whoami (obj) printf("Generic Object\n"))
=> t
defmethod( whoami (( obj XGeometricObj)) printf( "XGeometricObj, which is also
a\n"))
=> t
getMethodSpecializers(’whoami)
=> (t XGeometricObj)
getMethodSpecializers(’car)
=> *Error* getMethodSpecializers: first argument must be a generic function - car
nil
getMethodSpecializers(2)
=> *Error* getMethodSpecializers: argument #1 should be a symbol (type template =
"s") - 2

getGFbyClass
getGFbyClass(
s_className
[g_nonExistent]
)
=> l_methods
Description
Displays the list of all generic functions specializing on a given class.
Arguments
s_className Name of the class for which you want view the list of specializing
functions.
g_nonExistent If set to t, lists the list of generic functions specializing on non-

defined classes only.
Value Returned
l_methods A list of generic functions.
Example
getGFbyClass('systemObject)
=> (printObject)

getApplicableMethods
getApplicableMethods(
s_gfName
l_args
)
=>l_funObjects
Description
Returns a list of applicable methods (funObjects) for the specified generic function for a
given set of arguments. The returned list contains methods in the calling order.
Arguments
s_gfName Specifies the name of the generic function

l_args Specifies a list of arguments for which you want to retrieve the
applicable methods
Values Returned
l_funObjects Returns a list of methods in the calling order

Note: If there are no applicable methods for the given argu-
ments then an error is raised.
Example
getApplicableMethods('testMethod list("test" 42))
=> (funobj@0x83b76d8 funobj@0x83b76f0 funobj@0x83b76a8 funobj@0x83b7678
funobj@0x83b7690 funobj@0x83b7630 funobj@0x83b7600 funobj@0x83b76c0 )

getMethodName
getMethodName(
U_funObject
)
=>s_name
Description
Returns the method name for the given function object
Arguments
U_funObject Specifies the name of the function object for which you want to
retireve the method name
Values Returned
s_name Returns the method name for the specified generic function
object
Example
getMethodName(funobj@0x0182456)
=> testMethod

getMethodRole
getMethodRole(
U_funObject
)
=>s_role / nil
Description
Returns the method role for the given function object. U_funObject should be a valid generic
function object.
Arguments
retireve the method role. This should be a valid generic function
object.
Values Returned
s_role Returns the role of the specified generic function object

nil Returns nil if the method is a primary method
Example
getMethodRole(funobj@0x0182456)
=> @before

getMethodSpec
getMethodSpec(
U_funObject
)
=>l_spec
Description
Returns the list of specializer for the given funobject. U_funObject should be a valid generic
method object.
Arguments
retrieve the list of specializers. This should be a valid generic
method object.
Values Returned
l_spec Returns a list of specializers for the specified generic function

object
Example
getMethodSpec(funobj@0x0182456)
=> (string number)

getGFproxy
getGFproxy(
s_gfName
)
=> U_classObj / nil
Description
Returns a proxy instance from the specified generic function object
Arguments
s_gfName Specifies a symbol that denotes the name of a generic

function object
Value Returned
U_classObj Returns the associated proxy instance

nil Returns nil if a generic function does not exist
Example
getGFproxy('niTest); niTest is the name of the generic function
=> stdobj@0x83c0018
classOf(getGFproxy('niTest))
=> class:niGF
classOf(getGFproxy('printself)) ;; class of standard generic function (printself)
=> class:ilGenericFunction ;; default
getGFproxy('abc)
=> nil ;; non-existing generic function

nextMethodp
nextMethodp(
)
=> t | nil
Description
Checks if there is a next applicable method for the current method’s generic function. The
current method is the method that is calling nextMethodp.
nextMethodp is a predicate function which returns t if there is a next applicable method for
the current method’s generic function. This next method is specialized on a superclass of the
class on which the current method is specialized.
Prerequisites
This function should only be used within the body of a method to determine whether a next
method exists.
Caution
The return value and the effect of this function are unspecified if called
outside of a method body.
Arguments
None.
Value Returned
t There is a next method

nil There is no next method.
Example
defclass( GeometricObj () ())
=> t
defclass( Point ( GeometricObj ) () )
=> t
defmethod( whoami (( obj Point ))
if( nextMethodp()

then printf("Point, which is a " )

callNextMethod()
else printf("Point")))
=> t
p = makeInstance( 'Point )
=> stdobj:0x325030
whoami(p)
=> t
Prints Point.
defmethod( whoami (( obj GeometricObj))
println( "GeometricObj"))
=> t
whoami( p)
=> nil
Prints Point, which is a “GeometricObj”
Reference
defmethod, callNextMethod

removeMethod
removeMethod(
s_genFunction
g_className
[g_method]
)
=> t/nil
Description
Removes a given method from a generic function.

Note: For compatibility with previous releases, an alias to this function with the name,
ilRemoveMethod exists.
Arguments
s_genFunction Name of the generic function from which the method needs to be
removed.
g_className Name of the class or list of classes to which the generic function
belongs.
g_method Specifies the method qualifier. It can have one of the following
values: '@before, '@after, and '@around. If this value is not
provided or is specified as nil, then the primary method is
removed.
Value Returned
t Returns t, if the method is successfully removed.
nil Returns nil, if the method is not removed.
Example
removeMethod('my_function 'my_class '@before)
removeMethod('myFunB '(classX classY) '@after)

updateInstanceForDifferentClass
updateInstanceForDifferentClass(
g_previousObj
g_currentObj
@rest initargs
)
=> t
Description
A generic function, which is called from changeClass to update the specified instance
(g_currentObj).
Arguments
g_previousObj A copy of the ilChangeClass argument. It keeps the old slot

values of the specified instance.
g_currentObj The instance to be updated.
initargs Additional arguments for the instance.
Value Returned
t Always returns t

updateInstanceForRedefinedClass
updateInstanceForRedefinedClass(
obj
l_addedSlots
l_deletedSlots
l_dplList
)
=> t
Description
It is a generic function, which is called to update all instances of a class, when a class
redefinition occurs.
The primary method of updateInstanceForRedefinedClass checks the validity of

initargs and throws an error if the provided initarg is not declared. It then initializes slots
with values according to the initargs, and initializes the newly added-slots with values
according to their initform forms.
When a class is redefined and an instance is being updated, a property-list is created that
captures the slot names and values of all the discarded slots with values in the original
instance. The structure of the instance is transformed so that it conforms to the current class
definition.
The arguments of updateInstanceForRedefinedClass are the transformed instance, a

list of slots added to the instance, a list of slots deleted from the instance, and the property
list containing the slot names and values of slots that were discarded. This list of discarded
slots contains slots that were local in the old class and are shared in the new class.

Arguments
obj Instance of the class being redefined.

l_addedSlots A list of slots added to the class.
l_deletedSlots A list of slots deleted from the class.
l_dplList A list of slots that were discarded, with their values.
Value Returned
t Always returns t
Example
Define a method for the class myClass (to be applied to all instances of myClass if it is
redefined):
(defmethod updateInstanceForRedefinedClass ((obj myClass) added deleted
dplList @rest initargs)
;;callNextMethod for obj and pass ?arg "myArg" value for slot arg
(apply callNextMethod obj added deleted dplList ?arg "myArg" initargs)


3
Generic Specializers
ilArgMatchesSpecializer
ilArgMatchesSpecializer(
U_genericfuncObj
s_specClass
s_specArg)
=> t/nil
Description
Checks if the given argument matches generic specializer
Arguments
U_genericfuncObj Specifies a generic function object

s_specClass Specifies the generic specializer class
s_specArg Specifies the specializer argument
Value Returned
t Returns t if the given argument matches

nil Returns nil if the given argument does not match
Example
(defmethod ilArgMatchesSpecializer (gf (theClass mySpec) arg)
(eq arg->type 'polygon))

ilEquivalentSpecializers
ilEquivalentSpecializers(
U_genericfuncObj
s_spec1
s_spec2)
=> t/nil
Description
Defines a method to check if two specializers are equal (required during method redefinition).
Arguments
U_genericfuncObj Specifies the generic function object

s_spec1 Specifies the first specializer
s_spec2 Specifies the second specializer
Value Returned
t Returns t if the two specializers are equal

nil Returns nil if the two specializers are not equal
Example
(defmethod ilEquivalentSpecializers(gf spec1 spec2)
classOf(spec1) == classOf(spec2))

ilGenerateSpecializer
ilGenerateSpecializer(
U_genericfuncObj
s_specClass
s_specArg)
=> g_expression
Description
Returns a SKILL expression that makes an instance of the given specializer class and
optionally set the slots. In the generated SKILL expression, s_specArg can be used to
initialize the slots.
Arguments
U_genericfuncObj Specifies the generic function object

s_specClass Specifies the generic specializer class
s_specArgs Specifies the evaluated specializer arguments that are defined
in defmethod
Value Returned
g_expression Returns a SKILL expression that is to be evaluated inside

defmethod
Example
; create an instance without any slot
(defmethod ilGenerateSpecializer (gf (specName t) specArgs)
`(makeInstance ',specName)

ilSpecMoreSpecificp
ilSpecMoreSpecificp(
U_genericfuncObj
s_spec1
s_spec2
s_specArg)
=> t / nil
Description
Checks if spec1is more specific than spec2. You need to define all required
ilSpecMoreSpecificp methods for all existing custom specializers (so that the system
can find a method to compare any pair of custom specializers).
Arguments
U_genericfuncObj Specifies a generic function object

s_spec1 Specifies the first generic specializer class
s_spec2 Specifies the second generic specializer class
s_specArg Specifies the specializer argument
Value Returned
t Returns t if spec1 is more specific than spec2

nil Returns nil to indicate that the custom specializer definition is
inconsistent
Example
(defmethod ilSpecMoreSpecificp (gf (spec1 classSpec1) (spec2 classSpec2)
args)spec1->value > spec2->value)

4
Subclasses and Superclasses
subclassesOf
subclassesOf(
u_classObject
)
=> l_subClasses
Description
Returns the ordered list of all (immediate) subclasses of u_classObject. Each element
in the list is a class object.
The list is sorted so that each element of the list is a subclass of the remaining elements.
Arguments
u_classObject A class object.
Value Returned
l_subClasses The list of subclasses. If the argument is not a class object, then
l_subClasses is nil.
Example
L = superclassesOf( findClass( 'fixnum ))
subclassesOf( findClass( ’primitiveObject ) )
=> (class:list class:port class:funobj class:array class:string
class:symbol class:number
)
subclassesOf( 5 ) => nil

subclassp
subclassp(
u_classObject1
u_classObject2
)
=> t | nil
Description
Predicate function that checks if classObject1 is a subclass of classObject2.
A class C1 is a subclass of class C2 if C2 is a (direct or indirect) superclass of C1.
Arguments
u_classObject1 A class object.

u_classObject2 A class object.
Value Returned
t / nil s_class2 is a (direct or indirect) superclass of s_class1.
Example
subclassp( findClass( 'Point ) findClass( 'standardObject )) => t
subclassp(
findClass( 'fixnum )
findClass( 'primitiveObject ))
=> t
subclassp(
findClass( 'standardObject )
findClass( 'primitiveObject )
)
=> nil
Reference
superclassesOf

superclassesOf
superclassesOf(
u_classObject
)
=> l_superClasses
Description
Returns the ordered list of all super classes of u_classObject. Each element in the list is
a class object.
The list is sorted so that each element of the list is a subclass of the remaining elements.
Note: If a class is inherited from multiple classes, superclassesOf() traverses the entire
inheritance tree and returns the linearized class list.
Arguments
u_classObject A class object.
Value Returned
l_superClasses The list of super classes. If the argument is not a class object,
then l_superClasses is nil.
Example
defclass(basicA () ())
defclass(basicB () ())
defclass(derived1 (basicA) ())
defclass(derived2 (basicA basicB) ())
superclassesOf(findClass('derived1))
=> (class:derived1 class:basicA class:standardObject class:t)
superclassesOf(findClass('derived2))
=> (class:derived2 class:basicA class:basicB class:standardObject class:t)


5
Dependency Maintenance Protocol
Functions
The dependency maintenance protocol provides a way to register an object that is notified
whenever a class or generic function on which it is set is modified. The registered object is
called a dependent of the class or generic function metaobject. SKILL uses the
addDependent and removeDependent methods to maintain the dependents of a class or
a generic function metaobject. The dependents can be accessed using the getDependents
method. The dependents are notified about a modified class or generic function by calling the
updateDependent method.
These methods are described in the following section.

Dependency Maintenance Protocol Functions
addDependent
addDependent(
g_object
g_dependent
)
=> t | nil
Description
Registers a dependent object for given object. SKILL checks if g_dependent already
exists as a dependent of g_object (using the eqv operator), then g_dependent is not
registered again and nil is returned.
Arguments
g_object Specifies a SKILL object, which could be a class or a generic

function, on which the dependent object needs to be set
g_dependent Specifies the dependent object that you want to set on the given
object
Value Returned
t Returns t if the dependent object can be successfully set
nil Returns nil if the dependent object is already registered for the
given object
Example 1
addDependent( findClass('class) 'dep1)
This example registers the dependent object, dep1, for an object of class, class.

getDependents
getDependents(
g_object
)
=> l_dependents
Description
Returns a list of dependents registered for the given SKILL object, which could be a class or
a generic function
Arguments
g_object Specifies the SKILL object, which could be a class or a generic

function, on which the dependent object needs to be added
Value Returned
l_dependents Returns a list of dependents registered for the given object
Example 1
getDependents( findClass('class))
=> (dep1 dep2)

removeDependent
removeDependent(
g_object
g_dependent
)
=> t | nil
Description
Removes a dependent object from the given object.

Note: An object can be a dependent of multiple SKILL meta objects. If an attempt is made to
remove an object from a given meta object of which the object is not a dependent,
removeDependent will return nil but not display any error.
Arguments
g_object Specifies a SKILL object, which could be a class or a generic

function, from which the dependent object needs to be removed
g_dependent Specifies the dependent object that needs to be removed
Value Returned
t Returns t if the dependent object is successfully removed
nil Returns nil if the dependent object is not removed
Example 1
removeDependent( findClass('class) 'dep1)
This example removes the dependent object, dep1, from the object of class, class.

updateDependent
updateDependent(
u_class
g_dependent
s_notifType
u_classObj
)
=> t
Description
Updates the dependents of a SKILL object, which could be a class or a generic function,
when the SKILL object is modified. The SKILL engine calls this method for each
g_dependent at different times. For example, if g_dependent is a method, the SKILL
engine calls updateDependent at the time of adding or removing the method; whereas, for
dependent classes the SKILL engine calls the updateDependent method at the end of
class creation.
Note: Your applications can implement methods on this generic function.
Arguments
u_class Specifies a SKILL object, which could be a generic function or a

class, for which the dependents need to be updated. Depending
on the SKILL object specified, different arguments are passed.
For example, in case the specified SKILL object is a generic
function then the dependent object could be a generic function
object or a proxy object and in case of the SKILL object is a
class, then class:class can be specified as the dependent
object.
g_dependent Specifies a dependent object
s_notifType Specifies the type of update that has occurred using the following
qualifiers add_method, remove_method, add_class,
redef_class, add_generic, and redef_generic.
u_classObj Specifies the class object when a new class is defined. This
argument is nil when a class is redefined.

Value Returned
The return value is ignored.
Example 1
defmethod( ilUpdateDependent((proxy class) obj dep type)
printf("updateDependent called for CLASS -- %L" classOf(proxy))
printf(" obj : %L type : %L\n" obj type)
printf("Dependents : %L\n" get(className(proxy) '\*dependents\*))
printf("Dependent : %L\n" dep)
t
)


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Cadence SKILL++ Object System

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November 2014 6 Product Version 6.1.6

Licensing in Cadence SKILL Language

About the SKILL Language

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Installation, Environment, and Infrastructure

Section Names and Meanings

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Syntax The syntax requirements for this function.

Prerequisites Steps required before calling this function.

Arguments An explanation of the arguments input to the function.

Return Value An explanation of the value returned by the function.

Example Actual SKILL code using this function.

Typographic and Syntax Conventions

| Vertical bars (OR-bars) separate the choice of options. They take

[ ] Brackets denote optional arguments. When used with vertical

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argument... ;specify at least one,

[argument]... ;specify zero or more

/ Separates the possible values that can be returned by a

text Indicates names of manuals, menu commands, form buttons,

SKILL Syntax Examples

This example illustrates the following syntax characters.

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( ) Parentheses separate names of functions from their arguments.

_ An underscore separates an argument type (left) from an

[ ] Brackets indicate that the enclosed argument is optional.

This example illustrates two additional syntax characters.

| Vertical bars separate a choice of required options.

/ Slashes separate possible return values.

Identifiers Used to Denote Data Types

Prefix Internal Name Data Type

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Prefix Internal Name Data Type

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Prefix Internal Name Data Type

Additional Learning Resources

How to Contact Technical Support

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g_instance An empty instance of u_class.

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The function updateInstanceForDifferentClass() is called on the modified instance

g_inst An instance of standardObject.

g_className The new class for the instance.

g_initArgs Additional arguments to be passed to the

g_updatedInst The updated instance.

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Returns the class symbol denoting a class object.

For user-defined classes, s_className is the symbol passed to defclass in defining

us_class Must be a class object or a class symbol. Otherwise an error is

s_className The class symbol.

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Returns the class object of which the given object is an instance.

g_object Any SKILL object.

u_classObject Class object of which the given object is an instance.

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g_object Any SKILL object

t If the given object is an instance of the class or a subclass of the

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